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Published on: January 29, 2018
Vitamin D status is associated with bone mineral density and bone mineral content in preschool-aged children
Tom J Hazell1, Thu Trang Pham2, Sonia Jean-Philippe2
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge, Lethrbidge, AB, Canada; Mary Emily Clinical Nutrition Research Unit, School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
Insights
Higher vitamin D levels in preschool children are linked to increased bone mineral content and density. This study highlights the importance of adequate vitamin D for pediatric bone health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Health Research
Background:
- Bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) are critical indicators of skeletal health in children.
- Vitamin D status and calcium homeostasis play vital roles in bone development.
- Understanding these relationships in preschool-aged children is essential for early intervention and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between vitamin D status, BMC, aBMD, and calcium homeostasis markers in preschool-aged children.
- To identify key factors influencing bone health in this demographic.
- To provide evidence-based insights for promoting optimal bone development.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 488 preschool-aged children (1.8-6.0 years) from Montreal.
- Assessment of distal forearm bone using peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (pDXA).
- Subgroup analysis (n=81) with clinical DXA (cDXA) of lumbar spine, whole body, and ultradistal forearm; measurement of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone, and ionized calcium; dietary intake surveys.
Main Results:
- Age and weight-for-age Z-score were positively associated with BMC and aBMD across all regression models.
- Male sex positively contributed to forearm BMC and aBMD.
- Vitamin D sufficiency (25(OH)D >75 nmol/L) was positively associated with forearm and whole body BMC and aBMD.
- Sun exposure index correlated with cDXA forearm and lumbar spine BMC and whole-body aBMD.
- Dietary vitamin D and calcium intakes did not show significant relationships with BMC or aBMD.
Conclusions:
- Higher vitamin D status is significantly linked to increased bone mineral content and bone mineral density in the forearm and whole body of preschool-aged children.
- Factors such as age, weight, and sun exposure also play a role in pediatric bone health.
- Nutrient intake alone did not correlate, suggesting a complex interplay of factors influencing bone development.
Abstract:
This study examined the associations between vitamin D status, bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), and markers of calcium homeostasis in preschool-aged children. Children (n=488; age range: 1.8-6.0 y) were randomly recruited from Montreal. The distal forearm was scanned using a peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner (Lunar PIXI; GE Healthcare, Fairfield, CT). A subset (n=81) had clinical dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (cDXA) scans (Hologic 4500A Discovery Series) of lumbar spine (LS) 1-4, whole body, and ultradistal forearm. All were assessed for plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone concentrations (Liaison; Diasorin), ionized calcium (ABL80 FLEX; Radiometer Medical A/S), and dietary vitamin D and calcium intakes by survey. Age (p<0.001) and weight-for-age Z-score (p<0.001) were positively associated with BMC and aBMD in all regression models, whereas male sex contributed positively to forearm BMC and aBMD. Having a 25(OH)D concentration of >75 nmol/L positively associated with forearm and whole body BMC and aBMD (p<0.036). Sun index related to (p<0.029) cDXA forearm and LS 1-4 BMC and whole-body aBMD. Nutrient intakes did not relate to BMC or aBMD. In conclusion, higher vitamin D status is linked to higher BMC and aBMD of forearm and whole body in preschool-aged children.
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